4700 established IMCO's iconic "slide/squeeze" ignition linkage mechanism.

When the user presses or slides the top cover, the flint wheel rotates and strikes the flint to instantly ignite the wick.

It also features a detachable independent "oil reservoir" that can be removed and used separately as a candle or tinder.

This series entered production in 1937, survived World War II, and continued to be refined afterward until it was discontinued around 1955–1956 when the fully upgraded 6700 series (featuring more advanced wind protection and minor cosmetic updates) took over.